Kathmandu, August 30

Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ Saturday said that the declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic would strengthen nationality, territorial integrity, sovereignty and the independence of the country.

He said that the declaration of federal democratic republic state would be the medium to ensure equitable rights and raise awareness and responsibility among the country’s people. "The traditional mindset of the people has been changed, and if this forward looking awareness of the people is not translated into an action it can bring misfortune to the country," he said.

Speaking at the release of ‘Yo Katha Hoina’, a book written by Shanta Shrestha, PM Prachanda pointed out that there were still doubts about the implementation of federal republic, which was a big challenge to meet. Moreover, the patriarchal norms are still in prevalence which need to be uprooted to build a new Nepal.

Expressing his commitment to taking the peace process to a logical conclusion and drafting a progressive and pro-public constitution, he appealed to all the people to forge a national unity to build new Nepal.

Citing an example of China’s development through the fusion of technology and people’s unity, he said that the potential of tourism, hydropower and other resources should be duly recognised for the overall development of the country. "Effective measures for eliminating widespread corruption and irregularities in the country is not possible unless people are devoted to nation and the nation towards the citizens," he added.

He said that the government would take a full shape on Sunday and concentrate on budget preparation. "The upcoming budget will focus on public and overall national development."

Republican leader Ram Raja Prasad Singh said that CPN-Maoist’s effort to ushering in republic without bloodshed was appreciable. He said that propelling a revolution and leading it to a fruitful conclusion was a big accomplishment of the Maoists in national and international politics.

Commenting on the book, Shanta Das Shrestha said that the work was a memoir of the author, evoking an comprehensive vision of her struggle from her childhood to her personality development. It also presents a vision of the political struggle between the kings’ and Ranas’ during the Rana regime.

On the occasion, spouse of martyrs Durgananda Jha and Ganga Lal Shrestha, Kashi Devi Jha and Hasina Devi Shrestha respectively were felicitated by the PM. The programme was jointly organised by Chelsea International Academy and Pragya Foundation.